The First Southeast Bank of Harmony, Minn. began a large remodeling project in October of 2012 with the purpose of providing additional space as well as added privacy. The project was completed in October of 2013 and is very impressive.

The renovation had been discussed for six years prior to starting with many options discussed, including building a new facility in a different location in town but the consensus was to stay on Main Street where the bank has always been an important part of the community and is easily accessible to residents.

Improvements made were enlarging the bookkeeping space, changing the drive-up area, extending the lobby, and adding a new accounts office. Offices were remodeled, décor was updated, and a public restroom was installed as well. The addition size is 25 x 90 feet with a full basement underneath the addition to provide much needed storage space.

The project manager of the design and build was the Samuels Group of Wausau, Wisc. which according to the company website, samuelsgroup.net, “provides comprehensive construction, remodeling, furnishing and design services for new and existing projects.”

According to bank President Chris Skaalen, both employees and customers appreciate the improvements that have been made with customers giving staff complimentary comments on the new look of the bank. Chris states “everybody loves it” saying that the biggest thing customers have noticed is more privacy.

The First Southeast Bank was established in 1893 as the Harmony State Bank and today is owned by the Jerome and Barbara Bushman family. The family purchased the Canton State Bank in 1989 and it was merged with the First Southeast Bank of Harmony in 2011.

More changes are coming to the bank in the near future as the website, www.firstsoutheastbank.com, states “over the next few months, we will be unveiling a number of new products to make your banking experience better.” It is obvious that First South East Bank wants to be on the cutting edge of the technology offered to banking institutions.

The website elaborates on these changes stating “we are excited about the recent offering of QuickBooks download for your statements and a mobile banking website in the near future” which will undoubtedly be used by many customers. “Also in the works is a bill pay application which will allow you to schedule and pay your bills from the comfort of your home, business or mobile device” the website states. More information will be announced on these new services in the near future.